Patents by Inventor Christopher Kaufmann

Christopher Kaufmann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12559993
    Abstract: An aircraft seat module has an enclosure unit which at least partially delimits a flight passenger seating area, and has a door unit which at least in an operating state is at least configured to close a passage region to the flight passenger seating area, has a bearing device which is configured to support the door unit so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position in relation to the enclosure unit, and has a locking device which is configured to lock the door unit in the open position, wherein the locking device has at least one electrically and/or electronically actuatable actuator device, which is at least configured to be electrically and/or electronically actuated for an unlocking of the door unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joerg Laubenberger, Michael Streckert, Christopher Kaufmann, Juergen Mehmel, Michael Fritz, Alexander Rechlin
  • Patent number: 12558123
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an implant-positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console can have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console can generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system can be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: IotaMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Parker Reineke
  • Publication number: 20250339687
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an external positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2025
    Publication date: November 6, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Adam Hahn, Allan Henslee, Marlan Hansen, Eric Timko
  • Publication number: 20250304260
    Abstract: An aircraft seat control unit for an aircraft seat has a function circuit unit, which includes at least one function circuit for controlling the aircraft seat, and has a communication circuit unit which includes at least one communication circuit and is configured for communication with at least one external control unit, wherein the communication circuit unit is realized separately from the function circuit unit, at least with respect to software technology, and the function circuit unit is configured to monitor the communication circuit unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Publication date: October 2, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher KAUFMANN, Jörg LAUBENBERGER, Jürgen MEHMEL, Michael STRECKERT
  • Publication number: 20250235693
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for device-assisted manipulation of an implant's position in a patient, such as for delivering and positioning a cochlear implant. An exemplary modular system includes an implant position manipulator (IPM) unit reversibly engaging an elongate member of an implant, and a user control device for applying driving force to the IPM unit to regulate the motion of the implant. The system may include sensors providing feedback on the position or the motion of the implant, or the force or friction applied to the implant during the implantation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2024
    Publication date: July 24, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Adam Hahn, Allan Henslee, Marlan Hansen, Eric Timko
  • Publication number: 20250229082
    Abstract: The present embodiment is an implantable device capable of controlling cochlear implant electrode insertion and positioning. The embodiment uses an implanted mechanical positioning unit to advance position and monitor an electrode array. The device can be controlled via an external controller to reposition or advance an electrode array at any point after implantation with no surgical re-intervention. A cochlear implant electrode array whose position can be advanced and modified over time to best fit a patient's evolving hearing pattern would improve functional outcomes and significantly expand the candidacy range for cochlear implantation to include patients with substantial residual hearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2024
    Publication date: July 17, 2025
    Inventors: Marlan Hansen, Christopher Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 12311173
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an external positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: IotaMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Adam Hahn, Allan Henslee, Marlan Hansen, Eric Timko
  • Publication number: 20250009388
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an implant-positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console can have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console can generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system can be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Parker Reineke
  • Patent number: 12172003
    Abstract: The present embodiment is an implantable device capable of controlling cochlear implant electrode insertion and positioning. The embodiment uses an implanted mechanical positioning unit to advance position and monitor an electrode array. The device can be controlled via an external controller to reposition or advance an electrode array at any point after implantation with no surgical re-intervention. A cochlear implant electrode array whose position can be advanced and modified over time to best fit a patient's evolving hearing pattern would improve functional outcomes and significantly expand the candidacy range for cochlear implantation to include patients with substantial residual hearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Marlan Hansen, Christopher Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 12128242
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an implant-positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site, path or shape. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a neuromodulating implant during a spinal stimulator implantation or deep brain stimulator implantation surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: IotaMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Parker Reineke, Matthew Jackels, Allan Henslee
  • Publication number: 20240293672
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an external positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Adam Hahn, Allan Henslee, Marlan Hansen, Eric Timko
  • Patent number: 12042173
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an implant-positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console can have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console can generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system can be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: IotaMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Parker Reineke
  • Patent number: 12011594
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an external positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positioning of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: IotaMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Adam Hahn, Allan Henslee, Marlan Hansen, Eric Timko
  • Publication number: 20230320751
    Abstract: A system for robotically assisted manipulation of an elongate implant such as a cochlear implant and related implantation sheath is discussed herein. The system can include a main enclosure housing a first actuator to control linear movement of a sheath and second actuator to control linear movement of the elongate implant. The system can also include a drive head including a first drive structure to transmit actuation generated by the first actuator to the sheath and a second drive structure to transmit actuation generated by the second actuator to the elongate implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Parker Reineke
  • Publication number: 20230265687
    Abstract: An aircraft seat module has an enclosure unit which at least partially delimits a flight passenger seating area, and has a door unit which at least in an operating state is at least configured to close a passage region to the flight passenger seating area, has a bearing device which is configured to support the door unit so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position in relation to the enclosure unit, and has a locking device which is configured to lock the door unit in the open position, wherein the locking device has at least one electrically and/or electronically actuatable actuator device, which is at least configured to be electrically and/or electronically actuated for an unlocking of the door unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Joerg LAUBENBERGER, Michael STRECKERT, Christopher KAUFMANN, Juergen MEHMEL, Michael FRITZ, Alexander RECHLIN
  • Publication number: 20220118246
    Abstract: The present embodiment is an implantable device capable of controlling cochlear implant electrode insertion and positioning. The embodiment uses an implanted mechanical positioning unit to advance position and monitor an electrode array. The device can be controlled via an external controller to reposition or advance an electrode array at any point after implantation with no surgical re-intervention. A cochlear implant electrode array whose position can be advanced and modified over time to best fit a patient's evolving hearing pattern would improve functional outcomes and significantly expand the candidacy range for cochlear implantation to include patients with substantial residual hearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Marlan Hansen, Christopher Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20220040482
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for device-assisted manipulation of an implant's position in a patient, such as for delivering and positioning a cochlear implant. An exemplary modular system includes an implant position manipulator (IPM) unit reversibly engaging an elongate member of an implant, and a user control device for applying driving force to the IPM unit to regulate the motion of the implant. The system may include sensors providing feedback on the position or the motion of the implant, or the force or friction applied to the implant during the implantation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Allan Henslee, Adam Hahn, Parker Reineke, Marlan Hansen
  • Patent number: 11241576
    Abstract: The present embodiment is an implantable device capable of controlling cochlear implant electrode insertion and positioning. The embodiment uses an implanted mechanical positioning unit to advance position and monitor an electrode array. The device can be controlled via an external controller to reposition or advance an electrode array at any point after implantation with no surgical re-intervention. A cochlear implant electrode array whose position can be advanced and modified over time to best fit a patient's evolving hearing pattern would improve functional outcomes and significantly expand the candidacy range for cochlear implantation to include patients with substantial residual hearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Marlan R. Hansen, Christopher Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 11167137
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an external positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: IotaMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Adam Hahn, Allan Henslee, Marlan Hansen, Eric Timko
  • Publication number: 20210196318
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an implant-positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console can have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console can generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system can be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher Kaufmann, Parker Reineke